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Tallis spent 1538-1540 at Waltham Abbey, and although he did not
write Spem in alium till many years later, it seemed an appropriate
place for a day's course, and will be among many Tallis events at
the Abbey this year.
It is one of those works that everyone should sing once in a lifetime,
and having done that, most people want to try it again. It is scored
for 8 choirs, each comprising S A T Bar B, so men in particular
are welcome. All parts are equally interesting; for all parts, ability
to count is essential - particularly sequences of four-beat bar
rests while Philip is beating in three!
We may sing the English text, Sing and glorify, which is
underlaid in the earliest MS of the work. The day will end with
a run-through at 5pm. Visitors are welcome, but it is not being
advertised as a formal concert.
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